Sorting machine



J. W. BRYCE SORTING MACHINE Feb. 6, 1940,

4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 16, 1936 ATTORNEY Feb. 6, 1940. J. w.- BRYCE SOR'IING MACHINE Filed May 16, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 .I EQW.

INVENTOR /fifizz-afiy ATTORNEY Feb. 6, 1940. J BRYCE 2,189,024

SORTING MACHINE Filed May 16, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 ATTORNEY Feb. 6, 1940. w QRYCE 2,189,024

SQRTING MACHINE Filed May 16, 1936 4 Shets-Shee; 4

- INVENTQR MM ATTORNEY Patented F55. 6,1940

soa'rme MACHINE James W. Bryce, Glen Ridge, N. J., assignor to International Business Machines Corporation,

New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York -Applicatlon May 10, 1936, Serial No. 80,040

. V 25 Claims. This case relates to accounting machines, particularly a sorter, controlled'by record cards.

The record cards have parallel columns of index point or' perforation-receiving positions, selectively perforated according to a predetermined code to represent information. According to the Hollerith code, used here, a single index point in a column is perforated to represent an item. There are twelve index points in acolumn, and, thus, a perforation in one index point, according to the Hollerith code, may represent values 9 to 0, 11, and 12. Each card' column may be referred to as a card field. A1so,-a series of adjacent columns containing a multi-denominational order value may be referred to as a card field, particularly, as a multi-order field.

The usual function of a sorter is to separate a stack of record cards according to the perforations in a selected card column. At the end of an operation of the sorter, all cards having the same perforation in the selected column will lie in one sorting pocket. This may be called straight, simple, or ordinary sorting.

Theobject of thepresent invention is to place the sorting operation under control of a value comparing means. i

Further, the object is to sort to diiferent pockets or segregate cards into various groups according to a comparison of difierent values.

Still further, the object is to control sorting according to a comparison of a card value with a related pre-set or fixed value.

Another object is to control'sorting according to a comparison of two related values, both taken from the cards.

More specifically, the object is to segregate cards having a greater value than a related value into one group, cards having a lesser value than the related value into another group, and cards having a value equal to the related value into still another group.

An object is also to pfirvide means for caus-; ing the sorter to effect straight sorting if the compared values have one relation and to effect modified sorting if the compared values have a 'diflerent relation.

Another object also is to provide means for adjusting the compar n means to select diflerent sorting arrangements for similar value comparing results. a

Other objects will appear from the following parts of the specification and from the drawings.

Fig. 1 is a section through the control part of I the sorter.

Fig. 1a shows a part of the record card.

Fig. 2 shows one order of a settable value commutator.

Fig. 3 is a plan view taken along lines 3-3 of Fig. 1

Fig. 4 is the circuit diagram of one form of the invention, and I Fig. 5 is the circuit. diagram of another form of the invention.

The invention has been disclosed in connection with the sorting machine shown in Patent No. 1,880,428, although it is understood that the invention is also applicable to any other suitable card sorting machine.

As premised above, simple, ordinary, or straight sorting is the operation of sendingthe cards to diiierent pockets according to the values sensed in one selected card column. Sorting to pockets selected by a comparison of values may be referred to as modified, deviated, relative, compared value sorting or as sorting directed or selected by a comparison sensing or comparison value analysis.

- Two forms of the invention have been disclosed, the circuit of one being shown in Fig. 4 and the circuit of the other being shown in Fig. 5. In either form, if one card field bears a greater value than another card iield or than a set up value, the card may be sent to one destination. If the first card field bears a less value than another card field or the pre-set value, then the card may be sent to another destination. If the card fields bear equal values or if a card field and the pre-set value are equal (when comparison is between one field and the pre-set value),

then the card may be sent to still another desti nation.

In the form shown in Fig. 5, it is also possible to effect straight sorting if the compared values bear a certain selected relationship, to send the cards to one destination if the compared values bear a different relationship, and to send the cards to still another destination if the values are equal.

The record card has twelve perforation receiving or index point positions which from the bottom to the top of the card are the 9, 8, 'l,--l, 0, H, and i2 positions, as indicated in Fig. In.

There are thirteen card receiving pockets in the sorting machine, twelve of which correspond to the index point positions 9, 8-0, H, and I2 and may be referred to as the 9, 8ll,--i I, and I2 pockets; the thirteenth pocket is known as the reject pocket for receiving cards which do not go into any of the other pockets. (Only the 9 pocket is shown herein.) In ordinary sorting,

the cards are sent to these pockets according to the perforations in one column of each card. The present machine is capable of straight sorting and also of comparison-controlled sorting. In the latter operation, the compared values in any denominational order may be any one of values 1 to 9 and their corresponding index point positions I to 9, and no comparison is needed or made between the II and I2 positionsof the card fields.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 3, the machine comprisesa hopper I60 in which the stacked cards T are placed. Driven by a motor SM (see the citcuit diagrams, Figs. 4 and 5) is a shaft I6I be- I low the hopper. Shaft I6I has an eccentric connection to a link I62 connected to an arm I63 which has a swivel connection to a picker I64. Each revolution of shaft I6I oscillates arm I63 to reciprocatepicker I64. On the forward stroke of the picker, it feeds the bottom card out of hopper I60 and to feed rolls I65 which advance the card to the analyzing station. Ordinarily the sorter has a single sensing brush SB at the analyzing station to sense any one of the card columns. In the present case, there are a plurality of sensing brushes SB, preferably one for each card column. These brushes coact with a common rotating contact roller I66. In ordinary sorting, only one brush SB is in operation to control sorting according to the item designations in one card column, as will be further explained in connection with the circuit diagrams.

Feed rolls I65 continuously feed the card through the analyzing station comprising brushes SB and roller I66, along a table I68, and into the grip of upper and lower feed rolls I69. The

shaft of the lower feed rolls rigidly carries a se ries of spirally arranged cams I10. Each cam I10 underlies and supports a pivoted arm I'll biased downwardly by a spring I12. Each arm "I supports the entrance end of a diiierent one of the guide blades I13 which lead to the card receiving pockets. The entrance ends of the blades are of spring metal having a normal downward bias to cause the entrance ends to follow the downward movement of their associated arms I1I.

During rotation of cams I10, they successively release the arms I1I for depression by their individually connected springs. The release of the several arms I is synchronous with the successive analysis by the sensing brushes SB of the index point positions of the card. When the brush senses a perforation, it causes a circuit, which will be traced later, to be momentarily made through a sorter magnet I15. The

latter attracts its armature I16 to release a latch engages in notches I of the arms "I which have already dropped. Thus, whenever a perforation is sensed some of the blades will be locked down and the others held up by latch plate I11. The entrance ends of guide blades I13, which follow the action of their associated arms I1I, will correspondingly be separated to leave a passage for the card.

In ordinary sorting, after a card leaves the brushes SB, its leading end enters the passage formed between the entrance ends of the guide blades and is thereby routed to the pocket corresponding to the sensed perforation. If no perforation has been sensed, all the entrance ends are in down posltionby the time card reaches them, and the .card as it mcvesoii' the tableLI63 rides over all the blades I13 and is fed by successive pairs of feed rolls. (not'shown), driven by the sorting motorSM,-to theflreject pocket.

After a card has-been analyzed and has just entered the passage between two guide blades I13 selected by the analysis and before the next 'card reaches the analyzing brushes SB, a pair of duplicate cams I82, one at each side of cams I10, moves a bail I63 to the right (Fig. 1) to cause the bail to rock plate I11 clockwise, there- Q by re-latching the plate with respect to the meanwhile released armature l16, and also releasing nose I11' from restraint on arms I1I. Arms- I1I are, thereupon, restored to upper positions by camsv I10 as the latter complete their cycle and return to home position.

The mechanical features of the machine having been described, its operation will now be explained further with reference to the circuits.

To start the machine in operation after a stack ofcards has been placed in magazine I60 and main switch I closed, the operator depresses start key I86 of a lever I81 against resistance of a spring I88. The lever rigidly carries an insulating block I89 initially between a. pair of contact blades I90 and separating the coacting contacts I9I carried by the latter blades. The key I86 is held down until the first card reaches a card lever I92. The pressure of the card on lever I92 causes the latter to maintain contacts I9I closed after. the operator releases key I86. The successive cards continue to act on lever I92 so as to maintain contacts I9I.

present invention, are each connected to double plug sockets I95. For single column, straight sorting, the operator runs a plug wire I96 from a plug socket I91 to the plug socket I of the brush SB for reading the selected control column. Further, a switch I98 is opened and a switch blade I99 is set in upper, ordinary sorting position, engaged with switch terminal I99a I which is directly connected with the right side of the supply line. This is all that need be done to set the machine for ordinary sorting in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4.

When a perforation in the selected control column of a card is sensed by the associated brush SB, the following circuit is formed:

circuit a--Ordinary sorting socket I96, the connected brush SB, the contact. roller I66, through the usual commutator'20l, and to the left side of the supply line.

Circuit a energizes magnet I15 to cause the card to be routed to the pocket selected by the analyzed perforation. I

Comparison sorting according to the form of the invention shown in Fig. 4 will now be explained.

5 each card cycle.

55 tact segment 513 of the emitter.

next half a revolution of shaft 5", the functions 5 'tively, one of the values may be taken from a manually settable commutator 590. Either the commutator or the card may be referred to broadly as a value bearing source. Fig. 2 shows one order of the commutator 560. Each 10 order includes an indicating wheel I rotatably mounted on a shaft 56I and the numbers to 9 of which are viewed through a sight opening 562.

To the side of each indicating wheel 56l is fast a gear 563 which through an, idler gear 565 re- 5 tates a gear 565. Carried by gear 565 through insulation is a feeler- 556 bent to constantly encase a common contact ring- 561 o! a stationary commutator disk 569. Disk 558 has ten contact segments-569 insulated from each other and 1 20 from ring 561. Each of segments 569 corresponds to one value position of indicating wheel 560. Thus, if a wheel 56I' is adjusted to read 1",.

feeler 566 will be moved into engagement with the segment 569 corresponding to value '7. Each 26 order of the settable commutator may be separately adjusted to set the associated feeler 566 in engagement with a desired value segment 569.

As many orders of the commutator 560 may be provided as is desired. In the circuit dia- 30 grams, four orders of commutator 580 are diagrammatically shown.

An emitter E, associated with the settable commutator, has contact spots 510 corresponding to values 9 m 0. The spots corresponding to values 35 9 to 0 are wired to all the contact segments 569,

40 shaft 5" of emitter E carries diametrically opposite and conductively connected brushes 512. shaft 5" is driven counterclockwise by the sorter motor SM in 1:2 ratio with the shaft of sorting commutator 20I which makes one revolution Thus, shaft 5" makes halt a revolution for each card cycle or during the interval between which the leading edges of successive cards reach the line of analyzing brushes SB. During one half a revolution 01' emitter 50 shaft 51I, one brush 512 will successively engage spots 9, 8, 1,-0 in synchronism with the arrival of index point positions 9, 8, 10 of a card column at the line of analyzing brushes SM while the opposite brush 5121s wiping the common con- During the of the two brushes 512 will be reversed.

In the instant case, means are provided to compare a four order value, for example, one

60 having a thousands, hundreds, tens. and units order. All the devices related to the thousands 4 order may be distinguished by appending to the general reference character the sufllx th, the hundreds order devices may be distinguished by 05 the sumx h, the tens order elements by the 70 site sides of which are a pair of parallel magnets 580 and 58L A rectifier 582 permits current to pass only in one direction through magnet 590, and a rectifier 583 permits current to pass in the opposite direction only through mag- 75 net "I. Resistances r and r' are of such values as to cause the potential a'toppcsite sides of the Wheatstone bridgev to be equal when the circuit paths through magnets 580 and 59I are simultaneously closed. When the circuit paths, of magnets 580 and 59f of a device W are simultaneously closed, the potential at opposite sides of the device -W will be equal but oppositely directed, thus preventing flow'of current from one side to the other, and neither magnet 580 and SM will then be energized. If the circuit path of one magnet 580 or 58I alone is made at one time,

then the magnet through which the circuit is made will be energized.

One side of each device W leads to a socket 202 and the opposite side to a socket 203. There are thus two sets of sockets 202 and 209, each set comprising four orders. Plug sockets 202 are related to the II sorting pocket and'sockets 203 to the I2 sorting pocket. Thus, it it is desired to send a card to the I I pocket if a value A is greater than a value B, entry of value A into the comparison evaluating means is made by way of sockets 202 while if it is desired to send a card to the I2 pocket if value A is greater than value B, then value A is entered by way of sockets 203. As

will be brought out later, equal values cause the card to be sent to the reject pocket.

Suppose it is desired to compare a four order or four column value of flelds A of the cards with a four order or column value of fields B of the cards and to send the card to the II pocket when value A is greater than value B, to send the cards to the I'2 pocket when value A is less than value B, and to direct the cards to the reject pocket when values A and B are equal. The'plug sockets I95 of the brushes SB for sensing field A are connected by plug wires (not shown) to plug I sockets 202, and plug sockets I95 of the brushes SB of field B are connected to sockets 203 of the comparison means. Further, plug wire I96 is removed, switch I98 is closed, and switch blade I99 is set in lower, comparison sorting position, in engagement with switch terminal I991).

During the passage of index point positions 9 to I of a card, the values in fields A and B will be read into the comparing means. It may be noted that 0 index point position ofthe cards has no eflect on the comparing evaluation, since if the value in one compared order is 0 and in the corresponding compared order is greater than 0, the latter value will dominate, while if both compared orders have 0 values, their effects will counteract each other. The 0 value can, therefore, not eiiect the comparison evaluation.

Assume that the field A of a card contains value 52I9 and that field B of the card contains value 43I8. "The first perforation to be sensed'by a brush SB will be the one designating 9 in the units order of value A. When this occurs, the

From the left side of the line, throughcommutator 20I, contact roll I66 of the analyzer, the brush SB sensing the units order of field A, the connected plug socket I95, a plug connection (not shown) to the units order socket 202 (the right hand one), the left side of units order Wheatstone bridge W-u, rectifier 582, magnet 580-u, resistance r, and to the right side of the line.

Each of magnets 580 is wound on the same core and in the same direction as a magnet 580' while each of magnets 58I is wound on the same core and in the same direction as a magnet SM.

I device W-u.

v The magnet 580 or 58I may be termed the pick- Cam C for operating cam contacts C--6 is mounted on the shaft of the sorting-commutator 2M and closes contacts C-6 before the 9 index point position reaches the analyzing position and until after the I2 index point position passes the analyzing position. The contacts C-6 then open.

Pick-up coil 580-u was momentarily energized by circuit 1') to close contacts 580a-u. Circuit c energizes holding coil 58Il'u. to maintain contacts 580a,u closed until camcontacts C6 open. l

Coil 58Il'-u, when energized, also closes contacts 580bu and opens contacts '580c-u.

Closing of contacts 588bu forms the following circuit:

Circuit d From the left side of the line, through common wire 581, contacts 580b-u, contacts 58Ic--u, a magnet 990a, and through common wire 588, to the right side of the line.

Circuit (1 energizes magnet 9901: to close relay contacts 990a-u, which completes the following stick circuit'through magnet 9901a.

Circuit e v From the left side of the line, through cam contacts C6, common wire 589, contacts 1 99Ila-u, magnet 990a, and wire 588, to the right side of the line. v

Thus, regardless of subsequent opening of circuit d, magnet 990a is held energized by stick circuit e.

The final result of the analysis of a 9 in the units order of field A of a card is the energization of magnet 990u to close relay contacts 99Ila--u and 990bu, and to open contacts 990c-u.

Similarly, the occurrence of a value in any of the other orders of field A higher than the compared value in the corresponding orders of field B will energize a related order magnet 990. All of the four magnets 990 are thus associated with field A.

The next value sensed in the assumed example. is an 8" in the units order ofgfield B of the card. When this happens, the following circuit is completed through pick-up coil 58I-u. of the Circuit b-1 From the left side of the line, through commutator 20I, contact roll I86, the units order brush SB of field B, the connected socket I95, the plug connection (not shown) to the units order socket 203 (the right hand one), through rectifier 583, coil 58l-'u, resistance r, and to the right side of the line.-

Circuit b--I energizes coil 58t-u to close contacts 58Ia-u, causing a holding circuit 0 to form through holding coil 58l- -u. Coil 58I'--u holds contacts 58Iw-u closed, also closes contacts 58Ib--u and opens contacts 58Ic-u. The

closing of contacts 58Ib-u is ineffective to establish a circuit d through related units order magnet 98Ilu because contacts 580c--u in series with contacts 58Ib--u have been opened by previous energization of units orderholding coil 589'--u. Opening of contacts 58Ic-u by energization'of holding coil 58I'-u opens circuit d of magnet than the A value, then contacts 580c-u' would the B field value. I

The comparison of values 9 and 8 respectively in the units orders of fields A and B of a card has resulted in energization of a units order magnet 990a related to the units order'of field A.

Similarly, comparison of the other corresponding orders of fields A and B, causes the higher value 958i or 990i will have been energized because the tens order values are equal.

The highest order magnet 990 or 960 which has been energized determines or dominates the control exercised by the comparing means. Thus, if the values had been 52I9 and 52 I8, only units order magnet 990a would have been energized and would control the read-out circuit from the comparingmeans. In the assumed example of 52I9 compared with 43I8, although magnet 96071. has been energized and dominates magnet 99011., the former .magnet is itself dominated by the energized magnet 990th. The contacts 990c and 9600 guard against the read-out circuit being completed through a lower order magnet when a higher order magnet has been energized. This nations II, II, or I2 and while the index point.

positions 0, II and I2 for containing these designations are passing the analyzing position, the read-out circuit of the comparing means is formed to control the sorting operation. It will be remembered that during passage of positions 9 to I through the card analyzer and theread ing into the comparing means of values 9 to I, that the arms HI and their associated guide blades I13 have been successively released by cams I10 to successively open paths to sorting pockets 9 to I. However, with plug connection I98 removed and with switch blade I99 in lower, comparing, position, sorting magnet I15 is not energized coincident with sensing of a perforation, and, therefore, latch plate I11 has not been released to lock the guide blades I13 in any separated relationship.

As the II index point position of the card reaches the analyzer, the passage between blades I13 leading to the II pocket is open, and as the I2 index position of the card reaches the analyzer, the passage between blades I13 to the I2 comparison means must thus be read out or de-' termined at. the II and I2 cycle points correspondingto the II and-I2 index position analyz 209 and the following circuit is completed For this purpose, an I I emitter.

ing periods.

. 205 and a I2" emitter 206 are provided. These emitters are rotated synchronously with the feed of the card so that as the II index point oia card reaches analyzing position, brush 201 o1 emitter 205 will be engaged by contact segment I 200 and as the I2 index point of a card reaches :theanalyzer, brush 209 of emitter 205 will be engaged by contact segment 2 I0.

Values A and B were read into or entered into the comparison means during the 9 through I cycle points. Assume that units order magnet 990a alone has been energized by the comparison evaluating operation. In that case, at the II cycle point, the comparison readout circuit is established as follows (Fig. 4)

Circuit r-"zr read-out through contacts 9900 and 9600 of all the higher order magnets.

If any magnet 960 or 990 above the units order had been energized, then one of the 990c or 9500 contacts above the units order would have been opened and circuit ,1 could not have been made through the 1) contacts of units order magnet 990u.

Similarly, circuit 1 can be completed only through the b contacts of the highest order A field magnet 990 which has been energized and through the 0 contacts of all the higher order magnets.

Thus, when two values A'and B are compared, of which A'is the greater, the highest order in which the A value is superior will control the comparison read-out circuit 1 to energize magnet 2I4, as the II index point position of the card reaches the analyzer.

If field B contains a value superior to the value 01' field'A, then the determining value is in one of the orders of field B. For example, if field B has a value 2M8 and field A has a value 2309, the determining value is the 4 in the hundreds order of the B value. In that case, the pick-up coil 58I--h is energized by a circuit b-I, the holding coil 58I'h is energized by a circuit c, and circuits d and e, acting in succession, energize magnet 96071. The magnets 960th and 990th will not be energized, magnets WM and 990a will be energized, and magnets 960t and 960a will not be energized. A circuit 1 cannot be formed through the b contacts of magnet 990t because the 0 contacts, of magnet 960k, whichare superior, are open. Neither, can a circuit f be formed through the 1) contacts of magnet 9901/, because the c contacts of magnets 09015 and 980! are open. Accordingly, when the B value is superior, circuit f cannot be formed and magnet 2 is not energized as the II index point position of the card reaches analyzing position.

However, as the I2 index point position of the card reaches the analyzer, contact segment 2I0 of the "I2 emitter 206 is engaged with brush (Fig. 4):

Circuit g-"12 read-out From the left side of the line, through common contact ring 2I9 of emitter 200, contact segment 2I0, brush 209, line 2", magnet 2I0, common conductor 599, the closed contacts 960b--h, then serially through the 0 contacts of magnets 990k, 960th, 990th, and through lead 591, to the right side of the supply line.

Thus, circuit y can be completed through the b contacts 0! a magnet 900 only when the 0 con- Circuit h-C'ompazison sorting to the 11 pocket From the right side of the line, through contacts 2I4a, line 2I5, switch terminal I99b, switch blade I99, sorting magnet I15, switch I98 (now closed), and to the left side of the supply line.

Sorting magnet I is thereby energized as the II index point position of the card traverses the analyzing station. In the manner explained previously, this causes the card to be sorted to the II pocket. Thus, the card goes to the II pocket when value A is greater.

Ii magnet 2I8 is energized by a circuit 9 because of value B being found greater, the mag-' net closes relay contacts 2I8a to form the following circuit (Fig. 4)

Circuit i-Gomparison sorting to the 12 pocket From the right side of the line, through contacts 2I8a, line 2I5, switch I99b-I99, sorting magnet I15, switch I98 and to the left side of the line.

Sorting magnet I15 is thereby energized as the I2 index point position of the card traverses the analyzer and, as previously explained, the card is thereby directed to the I2 pocket. Thus, the

card goes to the I2 pocket when value B is greater than value A.

Ii values A and B are equal, then there will be no closed path through the comparing means for circuit 1 through magnet 2I4 or for circuit y through magnet 2I9 and, accordingly, the sorter magnet I15 will not be energized at all; consequently, the entrance ends of the guide blades I13 will all be below the card and the latter will go to the reject pocket.

If instead of comparing two card fields for values, one suchfield were to be compared to a preselected value'set up on commutator 560, then plug sockets 560' of the latter would be wired to either set of sockets 202 or 203 and the plug sockets I95 of the card fieldwould'be wired to the other set of plug sockets 202 or 203. Through emitter E, the values of commutator 560 would be entered, in synchronism with the travel of corresponding value index point positions of the card, into the comparing means to be compared with the values entered from the card field. In the same manner as explained above, the cards would be routed to the II I2 or rejectpocket depending on the comparison of the values.

The embodiment of the invention shown in circuit form in Fig. 4 has been explained. The embodiment shown in circuit form in Fig. 5 will now be explained. The second embodiment permits of greater flexibility and variety of operation than the first embodiment. In both embodiments, the machine may be set for ordinary, single column control sorting, for sorting to the II pocket if one value is greater than another, to the I2 pocket if the value is less, and to the reject pocket if the values are equal. In addition, the second embodiment permits the comparison values, if in one relationship, to cause straight sorting from any selected column, and if the compared values are in diflerent relationships to efi'ect modified sorting. For example, if value A is greater than value B, then the card may be directed to the pocket selected by the analysis of a single card column. Ii the latter column be designated as field C, then itmay be put that when value A is greater than value B, then the card will be sent to the pocket corresponding to the item in field C. However, if value A be less than value B, then field C will not determine sorting but the card will be directed, say, to pocket I 2 and if the values be equal, the card will be sent to the reject pocket.

Four different cases possible with the embodiement of the invention shown in Fig. 5 will now be explained: 1

1. Ordinary sorting As in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, a switch I99 is set in upper position in which it is in direct connection with the right side of the supply line, a switch I98 is opened, and a plug connection I96 is made between a socket I91 and the socket I95 of the brush 5B for sensing the selected card control column. Further, a switch blade 225 is placed in engagement with terminal 226.

Now, when a perforation is sensed by the active brush SB, a circuit is completed through sorting magnet I15 which is similar to circuit a, described in connection with the previous embodiment, except for the inclusion of'switch 225228 in the line between the sorting magnet and plug socket I91;

2. Sorting to 11, 12, or rea'ect pocket by comparison control In this case, if value A exceeds .value B, the card goes to the II pocket: if it is less than value B, the card is sent to the I2 pocket; and if equal, to the reject pocket. 7

As in the embodiment of Fig. 4,'the switch I99 is closed and switch I99 placed in lower position connected to line "5 of the comparing means. If values A and B are to be taken from two card fields, then plug connections to sockets 202 of the comparing means are made to sockets I05 of field A brushes and from sockets 203 of the comparin means to field B brushes.

If one card field is to be compared to a preselected value set up on commutator 560, then plug connections from the latter are run to either set of sockets 202 or 203, as required, and plug connections to the other set of sockets are made to sockets I95 of the selected card field.-

During the travel of positions 9 to I of a card past the sensing brushes SB, the values A and B are entered into the comparing means.

At the II cycle point, if value A has been found toexceed value B, then a circuit the same as circuit 1 of the previous embodiment, is established, followed by a circuit similar to circuit it, except for inclusion of switch 225-226, to send the card to the II pocket.

If value ,3 was found greater than value A, then during the I2 cycle period, a circuit similar to circuit 0 Of the previous embodiment is established followed by a circuit similar to circuit i, except for the inclusion of switch 225-426, to send the card to the I2 pocket. If the values are equal, then neither of above circuits is formed,

and the card goes to the reject pocket.

3. Comparison control of ordinary sorting, 12 pocket, and reject pocket sorting For this problem, value A is entered into the comparing means through sockets 202, value B is entered into the comparing means through sockets 203, plug connection I98 between socket I91 and the socket I95 of the brush SB for reading field C is made, switch I99 is moved to upper position, and switch I98 is opened, all as in case I. In addition, switch blade 225 is moved to upper position to engage a terminal 221. Other switch adjustments will be brought out in the further parts of the description. On shaft 51I' of emitter E brushes 512,"geared 1 :2 to the shaft carrying the sorting commutator 20I, are also fast the brushes 230' and 29I', respectively of commutators 290 and 2M.

commutator 230 has a long contact segment, lying between the pointsmarked 9' and 0, which one of the two brushes 230 of the commutator traverses while the 9 through 0 index positions of a card are traversing the analyzing position. This segment may be called the 9 to 0 segment. After brush 230' leaves the 9 to 0 segment, it wipes a short insulating segment, and then during the I2 cycle point, wipes a'contact segment which may be called the I2 segment,

Commutator 23I has three contact segments insulated from each other and arranged to be engaged successively by a feeler 23I of the commutator during the 0, II, and I2 cycle points, and these contact segments may be termed the 0; II, and I2 segments.

As indicated in phantom in Fig. 1, a special magnet 232 faces the lowerarm of lock plate I11 controlled by armature I16 of the sorter magnet I15. Further, below armature I16 is a pair of normally open spring blades 233 carrying companion contacts 284. v

The instant problem involves ordinary sorting according to the designations 9 to 0 of a card column C if a value A is greater than a value B. During the travel of index point positions 9 to 0 of the card past the analyzing station, energiza-- tion of sorter magnet I15 is eifected by completion of the following circuit when a perforation in column 0 is sensed (Fig. 5)

Circuit j-Ordinarg sorting with comparison control From the right side of the line, through switch I99 (now in upper position), sorter magnet I15,

'mu I66, commutator m, and to left side of the supply line.

Thus, sorter magnet I15 is energized by circuit upon the sensing of a perforation 3 vto in column ,C. Energization of magnet I15 rocks lock plate I11 (Fig. 1) to retain arms "I in the upper and lower positions they have reached, and to thereby hold open a path, selected by the value of the perforation in column C, between apair of guide blades I13 to receive the card as it moves of! table I68 and to lead the card tothe pocket corresponding to the perforation of column C. I

While the 9 through I positions of the card column C, selected for controlling straight sorting, are being sensed by the card analyzer, the latter is also sensing the significant 9 to I values of fields A and B and entering them into the comparing means.

If value A is greater than value B, then .by the time the 0 index point position of the card reaches analyzing position, the dominating magnet 990 will have been energized and its contacts 990!) closed to determine the path of the readout circuit from the comparing means. This read-out circuit is as follows (Fig. 5):

Circuit 10 in Fig. 4), and through line 591 to the right side of the line.

Energization of magnet 2 is effected by circuit k. In the previous embodiment, magnet 2I4 had only one pair of relay contacts 2 Ha. In the present embodiment, magnet 2I4 has, in addition, relay contacts 2I4b and 2I4c.

Magnet 2I4 closes contacts 2I4a and b and opens contacts 2I4c. Closing of contacts 2I4a is of no effect because switch I39 is in upper position, closing of contacts 2I4b (adjacent sorting commutator 20I) is ineffective because a switch 243 in series therewith has been set in open position; contacts 2I4c (at top of Fig. 5) when opened prevent making of a circuit through magnet 232 (Figs. 1 and 5) at the I2cycle point. Ac-

column C, and the card goes to the selected pocket 9, 8. 1I, or 0, as in ordinary sorting.

If value A is less than value B, then by the end of the analysis of the I index point positions of the card, a magnet 960 will have been energized and will dominatethe read-out circuit from the comparing means as follows (Fig. 5)

Circuit L From the left side of the line, through lead 242, switch 24!, switch 245 (closed for case 3), magnet 2I8, through the comparing means, and through line 591 to the right side of the line.

Magnet 2 I8 when energized by circuit L closes contacts 2I8a, b, and d, and opens contacts 2I8c, before the beginning of the I I cycle point. Closing of contacts 2I8a, is ineffective because switch I99 is in upper position. Opening of contacts 2 I Be prevents'making of the circuit through magnet 232 at the I2 cycle time. The closing of contacts 2I8b, however, forms the following circuit through magnet 232 during the II cycle in terval 'when' the II contact segment of commutator 23! engages a brush 23I of this commutator (Fig. 5): Y

Circuit-m From the left side of the line. through special magnet 232 (see also Fig. 1), contacts 2I3b, a

switch 246 (closed for case 3), a line 241, the II contact segment of commutator 23 I, brushes 23l',

the common contact segment of this commutator. a switch 248 (closed for case 3), and to the right side of the line.

Thus, at the II cycle time, magn t 232 is energized by circuit m. Referring to FigsTl and 5; the energization of magnet 232 rocks lock plate I11 clockwise to restore it to initial position. The plate I11 thereby unlocks arms "I to negative the control thereof which may have been previously effected by the sensing of a designation in the card column C selected for ordinary sorting. As this release of arms "I occurs during the II cycle time, the arms "I and the guide blades I13 corresponding to index points 3 to 0, and II drop at the end of the II cycle period, leaving only the blade I13 corresponding to the I 2 index point in raised position still held up by 1 232 is deenergized. Lock plate I11,however;can-

not return to locking position because armature I16 of the sorter magnet is latching the lock plate against counterclockwise motion.

During the I2 cycle time, the I2 contact segment of commutator 230 is wiped by a brush 230' and the following circuit is formed:

Circuit 12-12 pocket selection From the left side of the line, through contacts 2l8d (below'emitter E), a switch 250 (closed for case 3), the I2 contact segment of commutator 230, brushes 230', the common contact segment of this commutator, normally closed relay contacts 236a, terminal 221., switch blade 225, sorter magnet I15, switch I99, and to the right side of the line.

Circuit n energizes sorter magnet I15 at the I2 cycle time, and as a result, a path to the I2 pocket is opened for the card.

If the values A and B areequal, neither circuit is nor L will form, and magnets 2| 4 and 2I3 will not be energized. Consequently, contacts 2 He and 2I8c will still be closed at the I2 cycle point and when the I2 segment of commutator 23I is wiped by a brush 23I', the following circuit is formed through the magnet 232:

Circuit o--Cancellation of single co'lumn selection From the left side of the line through magnet 232, contacts 2I4c and 2I8c, the I2 contact segment of commutator 23I, brushes 231' thereof, the common contact segment of commutator 23I, switch 248 (closed), and to the right side of the line.

This circuit energizes magnet 232 at the I2 cycle timeto cancel the setting of arms I1I which may have previously been effected under control The plug connections between sockets 202 and 203 of the comparison means and the sensing devices of values A and B are made as in the previous problem. Likewise, switch I93 is left in upper position, switch I38 is opened, switch blade 2-25 is left in engagement with terminal 221. The other adjustments will be brought out in the course of the explanation.

When value A is found to exceed value B during the 9 through I cycle interval, then magnet 2I4 will have been energized. by circuit In and remain energized till cam contacts C6 open. Contacts 2 Ma and b will be closed while contacts 2I4c will be open, as in case 3. As before, switch I93 being in upper position, closing of contacts 2I4a is ineiiective. Closing of contacts 2I4b completes the following circuit as the index point position of the card traverses the analyzer (Fig.

Circuit p From the left side of the line, through magnet 232, through contacts 2 Mb, switch 243 (closed for case 4), the 0 contact segment of commutator 23I, the brushes 23I thereof, the common segment'thereof, switch 248 (closed for case 4), and to the right side of the line.

This circuit momentarily energizes magnet 232 as the 0 index point position is passing analyzing brushes SB. The circuit cancels selection of the pockets by the selected column C. When this cancellation occurs, the II and I2 guide blades I'l3 are still in upper positions. The card is required to go into the II pocket, and accordingly, the II and I2 sorting blades I I3 must be retained in upper positions during the II cycle period.

When magnet 232 rocked plate I'l'l clockwise to cancel the previous single column selection, armature I'l6 ordinarily would be free to move upwardly and latch the plate I'l'l against counterclockwise movement, as a result of which the I I and I2 arms "I would subsequently be free to move down. It is necessary, however, to retain the I I and I2 arms in upper position. and this can be doneby causing lock plate I 11 to move-to locking position with respect to the arms I'll at the II cycle time. Now, the plate I'l'l was released from arms "I by magnet 232 during the II Energization of magnet 232 by circuit for opening a path to the II pocket.

To leave plate Il'l free to return to locking must be energized to hold its armature I16 down and away from latching position with respect to the plate I'll. This is done as follows:

For case 4, a switch 255 (see middle of Fig. 5) is closed. Cam contacts 256 in series with switch 255 are closed by cam D as the 9 to II, II and I2 index point positions'of the card traverse the analyzing station. If column Ccontains a perforation 9 to 0, then sorting magnet I15 will have been energized, and its armature I16 depressed while contacts 256 are closed. Depression of armature Il5 closes contacts 234 (Figs. 1 and 5) and with contacts 253 closed, the following circuit is formed (Fig. 5):

Circuit q From the left side of the line, through cam contacts 258, switch 255, relay 236, contacts 234, and

to the right side of the line.

Energization of relay, 23B opens contacts 236a and closes contacts 23Gb. Closing ofthe latter contacts closes the following circuit:

Circuit 1' Magnet "5 now remains energized until cam contacts 256 break which is after the I2 cycle time. Since magnet I remains energized, contacts 234 remain closed, and consequentlymagnet 236 stays energized to hold contacts 23Gb of circuit q closed.

It is seen now that energization of magnet I15 under single column control during one of the cycle points 3 to 0 is thereafter maintained by formation of circuits -q and 7' until after the I I cycle period begins. Thus, when magnet 232 is energized by circuit p and unlocks plate I'l'l from arms "I during the 0 cycle time, theplate I'l'l is not restrained by armature I16 and free to return to locking position at the II cycle time, so as to cause sorting of the card to the I I pocket. This happens when value A is greater than value B.

When value A is less than value B, then magnet 2 I3 is energized by-circuit L to close contacts 2 I 8a, b and d and open contacts 2 I80, as in case 3. Closing of contacts 2I8a is not effective because switch I99 is in upper position; closing of contacts 2 I3b is ineffective because switch 245 is left open forcase 4. Closing of contacts 2I3d is inefl'ective because switch 250 is left open for case 4. Opening of contacts 2 I 8c prevents energization of magnet 232 at the I2 cycle time. Accordingly, the selection through a circuit 1, such as previously traced, by column C of the sorting operation re- -mains efiective when value A is less than value B,

and the card is sent to the pocket corresponding to the designation sensed in the single control column.

When values A and B are equal, neither magnet 2I4 nor v2H3 is energized, and contacts 2I4c and 2 I80 remain energized. At the I2 cycle time, circuit 0 forms, as in case 3, and the card goes to the reject pocket.

The conditions of the different switches for the various cases described in connection with Figs. 4 and 5, are indicated in the following tables:

Fig. 4 Form.

Switch Straight sorting Comparison sorting 198 Open Closed. 199 Engages 199cm. Engages 1990.

Fig. 5 Form Switch Case 1 Case 2 I Case 3 Case 4 Closed.... Open Open. Lower.-. Upper..." Upper At 226 At 227.-.-.

The operations of the forms of the invention are believed clear from the above detailed description.

Instances of the use 01' the invention are as fiollows: The cards may contain in fields A the debits of customers, in fields B the credit allowances o! the customers, and in fields C the customer account number. Now, according to case I, ordinary sorting may be efiected according to the customer numbers in fields C. In case 2, the cards containing greater values in fieldsA than in fields B, showing the excess of debit over credit may go to the H pocket, cards containing greater values in fields B may go to the l2 pocket, and cards having fields A and B with equal values may go to the reject pocket.

For case 3, it the debit exceeds the credit, the card may be sorted according to its account number in field C; it the credit exceeds the debit, the card may be sorted to the I! pocket; and if the credit equals the debit, the card may go to the reject pocket. For case 4, if the debit exceeds the credit, the card may be sorted to the II pocket; if the credit exceeds the debit, the card may be sorted according to the customer number; and if the debit equals the credit, the card goes to the reject pocket.

It is understood that changes, variations, and departures from the specific illustrated forms of the invention may be made within the spirit and field of the invention, and, accordingly, it is desired to be limited only by the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is as follows:

1. In combination, electrical value comparing means to compare a pair of values to determine which is the greater, a pair of value representing means, means to transmit the values from said representing means to said comparing means for causing selective electrical operation of the latter according to which of the two compared values is greater, card sorting apparatus to sort the cards to diflferent destinations and including a common controller for determining the destinations to which the cards are sorted, and means controlled by the value comparing means in accordance with the selective operation of the latter to operate the common controller selectively'for determining diflerent destinations for a card in accordance with which of the compared values has been found by the comparing means to be the greater.

2. In a machine for operating on record cards bearing value representations, the combination of electrical value comparing means to compare a pair of values with each other to determine which is greater, means to transmit the pair of values, at least one of said values being derived from the record cards, to said comparing means for causing selective electrical operation of the comparing means in accordance with which of the compared values is the greater, card sorting apparatus to sort the cards to different. destinations and including a common controller for determining the destinations to which the cards are sorted, and means controlled by the value comparing means for operating the common controller selectively to determine different destinations for a record card depending on which of the compared values has been found by the comparing means to be the greater.

3. In a machine for operating on records bearing value representations, the combination of electrical value comparing means to compare a pair of values to determine which is greater, means to transmit a pair of values represented on a record directly to said comparing means for causing selective electrical operation of the comparing means according to which of the two compared record values is the greater, sorting apparatus to sort the records to different destinations and including a common controller for determining the destination to which the records are sorted, and means controlled by the comparing means for causing the controller to determine one destination for the record from which the compared values have been taken if one of such values is found by the comparing. means to be greater and to determine a different destination for the latter record if the other compared fvalue has been found to be greater.

4. In a machine for operating on records bearing value representing fields, the combination of value comparing means controlled by a pair of value representing record fields to determine the relative magnitudes of the pair of represented values, sorting apparatus to sort the records to different destinations, means under control of the comparing means to-cause .the sorting apparatus to sort a record to one destination if one value is found greater by thecomparing means, means cooperating with the comparing means to cause the sorting apparatus to direct the latter record to a different destination it the other of the compared values is found greater, and means for automatically causing the sorting apparatus to direct the latter record to still a different destination if the compared values have been found equal. e

5. In combination; apparatus to sort cards having value representing fields to different destinations, means to compare a pair of values to determine their relative magnitudes, timed means for entering a pair of values, for comparison, into the comparing means at times corresponding to the magnitudes of the values andincluding means for transmitting at least one of the latter values directly from a value representing field of a card into the comparing means, means for effecting operation of the sorting apparatus to direct a card to a predetermined destination if the compared values agree, and means coacting with the value comparing means to modify the aforesaid operation of the sorting apparatus if the values are determined by the comparing means to disagree and in accordance with which of the values is the greater.

6. In combination, apparatus to sort cards having value representing fields to difierent destinations, means to compare a pair of fields of a card to be sorted to determine the relative magnitudes of the values represented in the latter fields, timed means for entering the values di 7. In a machine operating on records bearing value representing fields; the combination of means to compare a plurality of fields of a record for relative magnitudes of the values represented in said fields, card sorting apparatus, means under control of the comparing means to effect a sorting operation of the sorting apparatus on the latter record if one of the compared values is found greater, means cooperating with the comparing means to efl'ect a different operation of the sorting apparatus on the same record if another of the compared values is found greater, and means to effect automatically still another different operation of the card sorting apparatus on the same record if the compared values are found equal.

8. In combination, apparatus to sort cards to different destinations, valuecomparing means, means to analyze a card while in motion for a pair of values, means under control of the analyzing means according to the analysis oi! said pair of values to selectively set the comparing means in accordance with the relative magnitudes of said pair of values, and instrumentalities controlled in accordance with the setting of the comparing means for operating the sorting apparatus to sort a card to one of different destinations depending on the relative magnitudes of v the compared pair of values.

9. In combination, a sorting apparatus to sort cards bearing value representing fields to different destinations, value comparing means, electrical means to sense a pair of values represented in a pair of fields of a card to be sorted, electrical devices controlled by the sensing means to selectively operate the value comparing means according to which of the sensed card values is the greater, and instrumentalities effective in accordance with the selective operation of the comparing means for controlling the sorting apparatus to sort the latter card to one destination if one card value is found greater and to a different destination if the other compared card value is found greater.

10. In combination; apparatus to sort cards having value representing fields to different destinations, means to compare a pair of values at least one of which is from a value representing card field to determine their relative magnitudes, means for operating the sorting apparatus to direct a card to a certain predetermined destination if the values are equal, means cooperating with the comparing means for operating the sorting apparatus to direct the card to a different predetermined destination if one value is determined to be the greater, and means cooperating with the comparing means for operating the sorting apparatus to direct the card to still another diiierent destination if the other value is found by the comparing means to be greater.

11. In a card sorting machine dealing with record cards bearing values; the combination ofvalue comparing means, a value representing device, electrical means to enter a value from said representing device and a value directly from a record card into said comparing means in opposition to each other, devices for selectively operating the comparing means according to which of the entered values is the greater, card sorting apparatus to sort cards to different destinations, and instrumentalities controlled by the comparing means in accordance with the selective operation of the comparing means for effecting selective sorting operation of the sorting apparatus to sort a card to one of different destinations depending on which of the compared values is the greater.

12. In a card sorting machine dealing with record cards bearing diiierent fields of values; the combination of card sorting apparatus, means for effecting a control of the sorting apparatus v in accordance with the value in one field of a card, value bearing means, means controlled by the value bearing means to compare unequal or equal values from said value bearing means to determine their relative magnitudes, and instrumentalities cooperating with the comparing means for modifying the aforesaid control of the sorting apparatus if the compared values are found equal by the comparing means or it a certain condition of inequality in the compared values is found by the comparing means.

13. In a card sorting machine dealing with record cards bearing different fields of values; the combination of card sorting apparatus, means for effecting a control of the sorting apparatus in accordance with the value in one field of a card, value bearing means, at least one of which is a card field, means to compare and detect unequal values from said value bearing means to determine their relative magnitudes, and lnstrumentalities cooperating with the comparing means to modify the aforesaid control of the sorting'apparatus upon a selected one of the compared values being determined by the comparing means to be the greater.

14. In a card sorting machine dealing with record cards bearing difierent fields of values; the combination of card sorting apparatus for directing the cards to different destinations, value comparing means to determine the relative magnitudes of a plurality of values from said fields of values, means efiective upon the value comparing means finding a certain condition of inequality in the compared values for causing the sorting apparatus to send a card to a destination depending on the value in a selected card field, and instrumentalities cooperating with the com-' paring means for causing the sorting apparatus to send a card to a different destination than the latter upon the comparing means finding a different condition of inequality in the compared values.

15. In a machine dealing with record cards bearing values in different fields; the combination of means to compare the values in certain fields of a record card, card sorting apparatus to send the cards to different destinations, means for selecting a destination for the latter card in accordance with the value in a certain field oi bearing values in difierent fields each of which may bear any one of different values; the combination of means to compare a plurality of fields of a card for values, devices for selectively setting the comparing means according to the relative magnitudes of the compared values, card sorting apparatus to send the cards to diife'rent destinations, means to select a-destination for a card depending on the value in a field of the latter card other than any of the compared card fields, instrumentalities controlled by the comparing means according to its setting for canceling the aforesaid selection of a destination of the card upon a certain relationship of the compared values being found by the comparingmeans, and means operable subsequently to the cancellation for operating the sorting apparatus to select a difierent destination for the card.

1'7. In a machine dealing with recordcards each bearing values in difierent fields; the combination of means to sense a value in a field of v a card, means to compare equal or unequal values from fields 01' said card to eiiect determination of equal to and greater and lesser than size relations oi the compared values, apparatus to direct the cards to difierent destinations, and 5 means jointly controlled by the comparing means in accordance with the diflerent size relations of the compared values and by the aforesaid sensing means in accordance with the value sensed thereby for controlling operation of the aforesaid apparatus.

18. In a machine dealing with record cards having value fields, each having diiIerent value positions to represent difi'erent values; the combination of means to sense individual values in a selected field of a card, means to compare values in a plurality of fields other than the preceding field oi the same card, card directing apparatus to direct a card to diflerent destinations, and means jointly controlled by the comparing means and by the sensing means for operating the card directing apparatus to selectively direct said card to one of said destinations.

19. In combination; a plurality oi value representing means, value comparing means controlled by the value representing means for selective operation in accordance with whether one of the represented values is greater, less than, or equal to another of the represented values,

and cyclically operating sorting apparatus to sort records to difiercnt destinations and including cyclically operating means for reading out the selective operation oi-the comparing means at dificrential times during a cycle depending on the three aforementioned comparative size relations 86 to select diflerent destinations for the records corresponding to the three diiierent size relations of values as determined by selective operation of the comparing means.

20. In a machine operating on records having value fields; the combination oi means to compare a pair oi opposing equal or unequal values at least one oi which is derived from a record field and including means selectively scttable in accordance with whether the record field value or the other opposing value is the greater, and.

cyclically operating apparatus to sort the records to different destinations at difierential times during sorting cycles and including cyclically operating means cooperating with the selectively 5o settable means at difierential times during a sorting cycle to select one destination tor a record it the record field value is the greater and to select a difierent destination ii the other compared value is greater. v u 21. In a machine operating on value bearing records; the combination oi a value representing means, value comparing means to compare a pair 01! opposing values and including devices to enter a value directly from a record and an opposing value from the value representing means at difi'erential times equivalent to the value sizes into the comparing means to eflect selective operation of the latter according to whether the record value or the other compared value is the greater insize,andeortingspparatustosortthe records to diflerent destinations and including means opcrating under control of the comparing means according to the selective operation of the latter value is the greater. 5

22. In combination; card directing apparatus including a common magnetic unit energized at difierential times to cause the apparatus to selectively direct a card to diflercnt locations, a plurality of value representing means, value-com- 1 paring means controlled by the value representing means according to their represented values for comparing the latter values for relative size, and circuit means conditioned under control of the comparing means according to the value 15 comparison for difierentially timing energization of said magnetic unit to cause the apparatus to selectively direct the card to one of the diflerent locations corresponding to the timing of the magnetic unit. 1 20 23. In combination; apparatus to sort record cards having value fields which may represent .any of different values, instrumentalities for operating the sorting apparatus to selectively sort the cards, means to compare a pair of fields o! 5 the card to be sorted to determinezwhich field represents the greater value, and including a pair of devices alternatively cflective in accordance with which of the fields has a greater value and means selectively controlled by the said devices, 30 according to which of the two compared fields has the greater value representation, tor governing operation 01 the sorting apparatus by said instrumentalities.

24. In combination; apparatus to sort cards 35 hearing values to diflerent destinations and lneluding a common sorting controller operable to select the destinations oi the cards, value comparing means to compare equal or. unequal values for size relation, at least one of said values being 40 taken from the card, said comparing means in-' cluding a magnet energized when one size relation is iound by the comparing means and a second magnet energized when a diflcrent size relation' is found, and means controlled by either 5 one 01' said magnets alone, according to which one is energized, for operating said common sorting controller to select a destination tor the card.

25. In combination; cyclical apparatus to sort 0 cards having value representing fields to diiierent destinations, means for analyzing a plurality of fields oi the cards, while in motion, for values during a cycle, value comparing means controlled by the analyzing means for selective operation during the cycle according to the relative magnitude to one another of the plurality of analyzed card values and means controlled by the comparing means, during the same cycle in which the card values were analyzed and compared, for

causing the apparatus to direct one or another sorting destination for a card in accordance with difierent relative magnitudes of the plurality of analyzed card values found by the comparing Jesus w. Baron. 

